Cyclists out to break 48-year record

16 May, 2021 - 00:05 0 Views
Cyclists out to break 48-year record Davis Muhambi

The Sunday News

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
LOCAL cyclists are looking forward to breaking a 48-year-old record of the Flying Eagles 100 Miler Classic when the race takes place on Saturday.

The record, three hours 33.44 minutes, set in 1973 by Keith Stacey comes under threat from a group of emerging cyclists who have been focused on the race since the beginning of the year. Flying Eagles Cycling Club spokesman, Dave Loxton said there was a real possibility a record will be set this year.

He said they are expecting over 100 cyclists for the race from all over the country and they are expecting a competitive contest.

The 160km race, sponsored by cement company, PPC, is held between Gweru and Bulawayo and was revived four years ago after being canned in the mid-70s.

Loxton said last year they were unable to host it due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations but the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has granted them permission to host the event this year.

“I understand there is a team that has been seriously practicing and even did a run of the race on their own with impressive results. It obviously presents exciting competition and will make the race interesting. We also have riders coming in from throughout the country with a strong team expected from Harare,” he said.

UniMills Hokoyo captain, Andrew Chikwava said they are looking forward to setting records not only for this race but going forward.

“Since we started this club we have been focused on this race as there hasn’t been much activity and we have been doing well during practice and if we take what we practiced to the race then nothing will stop us from achieving our goal.

“As riders, United Milling director, Davies Muhambi has given us a new lease of life through the new club and I believe we can achieve a lot with his support,” he said.

Other riders who are part of UniMills include Advocate Phiri, the defending champion, Mthoko Sibanda, Nkulumo Dube, Thulani Dube, Ralph Mtupa, Gerald Lizwelenkosi and Tapiwa Maleeka.

Loxton said the race will start just outside Gweru at Dabuka Marshalling Yard and will end at the Khumalo Hockey Stadium.

He said Zimbabwe Cycling president, Norman Bourne has confirmed attendance and there is hope the new racers will come up for selection for future national assignments.

The event will see two races being held with the 100-Miler being the main event featuring the elite riders while for beginners will be an 80km race that will begin from Mbembesi.

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